27. Mr. Ron Brown(Leith) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many substandard houses exist in Scotland; and what steps are being taken to reduce this number.
§ Mr. Allan StewartEstimates provided in local authority returns show that as at 31 March 1982 there were some 91,000 houses that were below the tolerable standard as defined in section 14 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1974, local authorities have the powers to deal with unsatisfactory houses in their areas to secure their improvement, demolition or repair.
The resources available to local authorities for spending on improvement and repairs grants in 1982–83 are substantially more than in former years, and housing associations engaged in comprehensive rehabilitation schemes have also been able to increase their level of activity very considerably in recent years.